Notre Dame – Wisconsin Coordinator and Captains Weekly Press Conference

Mike Denbrock gave the clearest Week 1 line from Notre Dame’s side: “The identity for us at the University of Notre Dame is to number one, run the football.” He said the Irish want to build off a strong run game, then create vertical shots, screens, and quick game off it, while adding that Wisconsin’s defense is disciplined, physical, and will “make you earn everything that you get.” Denbrock also said the offense is at the point where preparation needs to turn into execution: “We’ve got to go do it.”

CJ Carr said Notre Dame is handling the opener as close to a normal game week as possible, even with the usual Week 1 unknowns. He said the staff has studied Wisconsin’s 2025 tape and transfer personnel, and added that the offense is more comfortable now because it has reps and a defined game plan. On the other side, Drayk Bowen and Chris Ash both pointed to Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph as a central challenge because of his legs, while Adon Shuler spoke publicly after his father’s passing and said football is helping him attack the week “as a regular week.”

• Denbrock on Wisconsin’s linebackers: “Athletic, physical,” and “a lot like playing against our guys.”
• Carr on his relationship with Denbrock: “I feel like we can kind of read each other’s minds a little bit.”
• Bowen said Notre Dame wants its defense to play “violent, downhill, fast.”
• Jordan Faison called being voted captain “one of the greatest honors” of his life; Carr said Faison is “natural” as a leader.
• Marty Biagi said special teams is sticking to its routine this week, with the goal of protecting the ball and “winning the interval.”